Top 12 Books For Kindergarten Updated 04 /2024

Sharing books with excited kindergarteners is a lot of fun! For when you want to change up your bookshelves, we've put together a list of 60+ new titles that have a lot of potential.

Swashby and the Sea by Beth Ferry

In the beginning, Captain Swashby is an aloof man who enjoys his peaceful life by the sea. Then a lively girl and her grandmother move in next door. Loveable and diverse characters, heartwarming themes, beautiful art, and interesting words make this book a great choice for kindergarten. There are even a few real-life chances for students to practice their phonics skills and sight words as they read messages written in the sand.

Out the Door by Christy Hale

This story about a girl's journey to school could be used in a lot of different ways in the classroom. It starts with her getting out of the house and going through her urban neighborhood and then onto the subway. Use this to start a conversation about neighborhoods and how to get to school, or to start a lesson on prepositions, directions, or mapping. It can also be used as a writing guide.

Love is Powerful  by Heather Dean Brewer

With her mother, Mari and her friends are making signs for a march. Mari isn't sure if anyone can read the messages on the signs because they aren't big enough. People do read them, though. Six-year-old Mari talks about her experience at a Women's March in 2017 in her author's note. We're sure you'll get goose bumps. Share this to start an opinion writing project, or whenever you want to show kids that love and their own words are powerful.

T. Rexes Can’t Tie Their Shoes by Anna Lazowski

When kids are young, you can never have too many alphabet books. This one is so silly that they'll be giggling at it. Try new things even if horses can't play hopscotch, or raccoons can't go on roller coasters. It's still a lot of fun to do!

Thank You, Omu! by Oge Mora

When Omu makes her thick, red stew, the smell of it draws a lot of people who want to try it. It's a good thing she gives away every last piece of food, but her friends and neighbors have a way to say thank you! You and your class could act out this story.

Saturday by Oge Mora

This author is so good that we're going to put two of her books together. Mother and daughter make the best of mishaps by remembering what's most important: having each other around.

All Are Welcome by Alexandra Penfold

This is the first day of school, and families of all shapes and sizes walk to school. When they walk into the classroom, teachers are excited and respectful of them. Our new favorite kindergarten book to set the tone at the start of school and read again all year long is called "The First Day."

Little Red and the Very Hungry Lion by Alex T. Smith

During kindergarten, you can't go wrong with a great story that has been broken up into parts. When the story is told this way, Little Red is in the jungle and brings medicine to her aunt. We can't get enough of the bright and cheery pictures.

Fern and Otto: A Story About Two Best Friends by Stephanie Graegin.

For a story idea, Fern and Otto go on a tour of fairy tale and nursery rhyme events in the forest with their friends. It turns out that the best stories can be found close to home. Add this title to your list of things to do when you start writing classes.

We Don’t Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

The poor little girl, Penelope, can't help but eat her classmates. All kindergarteners do impulsive things from time to time, so they'll be able to relate to her. This is a great title for when you're going back to school, after a long break, or when you need to talk about impulse control.

Pink is For Boys by Robb Pearlman

This title encourages kids to think about gender stereotypes and creates a classroom where everyone can be who they are.

The Little Red Fort by Brenda Maier

Ruby is the star of this version of Little Red Hen. She sees some scrap wood and has a vision for a great fort, so she builds it with the wood. They might.

Izzy Gizmo and Izzy Gizmo and the Invention Convention by Pip Jones

Meet Izzy Gizmo, the next STEM hero in kids' books. She's always trying to do her best. A crow has been hurt and can't fly. She wants to help it get back on its feet. It's good that her Grandpa is so supportive that he has a lot of "gadgety things" to help her succeed. In the sequel, Izzy takes her invention show on the road to the Technoff Isle's Invention Fair.

Elmore by Holly Hobbie

Having spiky hair can make it hard to make friends. This book helps students think about all the ways they can connect with other people.

The Word Collector by Peter H. Reynolds

Many kids like rocks, baseball cards, and comic books. Jerome likes words. The right word can have a lot of power if it's the right one.

The Rabbit Listened  by Cori Doerrfeld

Kindergarteners and their teachers will be reminded by this sweet story that sometimes, all you need to do is be there for them and help them.

The Bear and the Moon by Matthew Burgess

This story about a bear and a balloon is just what we need right now. Use it to start conversations about loss and disappointment in a safe way. We also love this story as a mentor text for narrative writing. The lush, detailed language is great for showing students how to "add more."

A Sled for Gabo by Emma Otheguy

Love Ezra Jack Keats' The Snowy Day? Then who doesn't? With the help of his friends, Gabo learns how to solve problems and stay dry in the snow. In the English version, there are a lot of words in Spanish. This title is also available in full in Spanish.

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